2022 Southern Medical Research Conference
What's The Difference Between Bacterial And Viral Infections?
Most bacterial and viral infections are contagious, and different types of pathogens may lead to symptoms of varying severity. Some illnesses may require antibiotics or antiviral treatments, while others may be prevented with the help of vaccinations.
In this article, we take a look at the primary differences between bacterial and viral infections. We explore how these infections are transmitted and treated and what you can do to prevent getting and passing them on.
Bacterial infectionsBacteria are tiny microorganisms that are made up of a single cell. They're very diverse and can have a large variety of shapes and structural features.
Bacteria can live in almost every conceivable environment, including in or on the human body.
Only a handful of bacteria cause infections in humans. These bacteria are referred to as pathogenic bacteria.
Viral infectionsViruses are another type of tiny microorganism, although they're even smaller than bacteria. Like bacteria, they're very diverse and have a variety of shapes and features.
Viruses are parasitic. That means they require living cells or tissue in which to grow.
Viruses can invade the cells of your body, using the components of your cells to grow and multiply. Some viruses even kill host cells as part of their life cycle.
Bacterial transmissionsMany bacterial infections are contagious, meaning that they can be transmitted from person to person. There are many ways this can occur, including:
In addition to being transmitted from person to person, bacterial infections can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected insect. Additionally, consuming contaminated food or water can also lead to an infection.
Viral transmissionsLike bacterial infections, many viral infections are also contagious. They can be transmitted from person to person in many of the same ways, including:
Also, similarly to bacterial infections, viral infections can be transmitted by the bite of an infected insect or through consuming food or water that has been contaminated.
Sometimes your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition based on your medical history and your symptoms.
For example, conditions like measles or chickenpox have very characteristic symptoms that can be diagnosed with a simple physical examination.
Additionally, if there's a current epidemic of a particular disease, your doctor will factor that into their diagnosis. An example is influenza, which causes seasonal epidemics in the cold months of every year.
If your doctor wants to know what type of organism may be causing your condition, they may take a sample to culture. Samples that can be used for culture vary by the suspected condition, but they can include:
When a microorganism is cultured, it allows your doctor to identify what's causing your condition. In the case of a bacterial infection, it can also help them determine which antibiotic may be helpful in treating your condition.
Treating viral infectionsThere's no specific treatment for many viral infections. Treatment is typically focused on relieving symptoms, while your body works to clear the infection. This can include things like:
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections.
There are many types of antibiotics, but they all work to keep bacteria from effectively growing and dividing. They're not effective against viral infections.
You should only take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. But antibiotics are often requested for viral infections. This is dangerous because over-prescribing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt to be able to resist certain antibiotics. It can make many bacterial infections more difficult to treat.
If you're prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, take your entire course of antibiotics — even if you begin to feel better after a couple of days. Skipping doses can prevent killing all of the pathogenic bacteria.
Is my stomach bug bacterial or viral?When you experience symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps, you likely have a stomach bug. But is it due to a viral or bacterial infection?
Stomach bugs generally fall into two categories based on how they're acquired:
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Regardless of the cause, many times your symptoms will go away in 1 or 2 days with good home care.
However, symptoms that last longer than 3 days, cause bloody diarrhea, or lead to severe dehydration may indicate a more severe infection that requires prompt medical treatment.
Is my cold bacterial or viral?A cold can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and low fever, but is a cold bacterial or viral?
The common cold is caused by a number of different viruses, although rhinoviruses are most often the culprit.
There's not much you can do to treat a cold except wait it out and use OTC medications to help relieve your symptoms.
In some cases, a secondary bacterial infection may develop during or following a cold. Common examples of secondary bacterial infections include:
Can you use mucus color to determine if it's a bacterial or viral infection?You should avoid using mucus color to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.
There's a long-held belief that green mucus indicates a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. In fact, green mucus is actually caused by substances released by your immune cells in response to a foreign invader.
You can have green mucus due to many things, including:
You can follow these tips to help prevent becoming ill with bacterial or viral infections.
Practice good hygieneBe sure to wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and before and after handling food.
Avoid touching your face, mouth, or nose if your hands aren't clean. Don't share personal items, such as:
Many vaccines are available to help prevent several viral and bacterial illnesses. Examples of vaccine-preventable diseases include:
Talk with your doctor about the vaccines that are available to you.
Don't go out if you're sickStay home if you're ill to help prevent transmitting the infection to other people.
If you must go out, wash your hands frequently and sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue. Be sure to properly dispose of any used tissues.
Practice safe sexUsing condoms or other barrier methods can help prevent getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limiting your number of sexual partners has also been shown to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
Make sure food is cooked thoroughlyMake sure all meats are cooked to the proper temperature. Be sure to thoroughly wash any raw fruits or vegetables before eating.
Don't let leftover food items sit at room temperature. Instead, refrigerate them promptly.
Protect against bug bitesBe sure to use insect repellent containing ingredients like as DEET or picaridin if you're going to be outside where insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are prevalent.
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, if possible.
Bacteria and viruses cause many common infections, and these infections can be passed on in many of the same ways.
Sometimes your doctor can diagnose your condition by a simple physical examination. Other times, they may need to take a sample to culture to determine if a bacterial or viral infection is causing your illness.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Treatment of viral infections focuses on treating symptoms while the infection runs its course. Although in some cases, antiviral medications may be used.
You can help prevent getting sick with or transmitting bacterial and viral infections by:
What You Need To Know About Stomach Flu (gastroenteritis)
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Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a highly contagious intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. It is usually due to a norovirus or rotavirus and transmits via contact with others or contaminated food or drink.
Stomach flu usually develops after contact with a person carrying the infection or consuming contaminated food or water. Often, a person can let the infection run its course. However, home remedies can relieve symptoms.
In the United States, many people recover from stomach flu within a few days without any complications. However, for people in high-risk categories and those with reduced access to healthcare facilities, it can be a severe condition and a significant cause of death.
This article examines the symptoms and causes of stomach flu in adults and children, its contagiousness, recommended methods and home remedies for treating and preventing stomach flu, and when to seek medical advice.
Although people refer to viral gastroenteritis as flu, it is not the same as influenza. Influenza only affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Stomach flu affects the stomach and intestines.
Symptoms of stomach flu can include:
Anyone with symptoms of stomach flu should not go to school or work as the condition is usually contagious.
Different viruses can cause stomach flu, including:
Symptoms generally appear following contact with someone who has the infection. They can also occur after eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Doctors can offer help for some symptoms and make sure that they are not due to another illness. Some bacterial infections cause the same symptoms as stomach flu.
Stomach flu can last from days up to 2 weeks, depending on which virus causes the condition.
The symptoms of each type begin at different times after contact with the virus and last for varied periods:
Norovirus is more contagious when a person has symptoms or during the first days after recovery. However, the virus can continue to spread for over 2 weeks after symptoms ease.
Norovirus affects people at any age. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus are more likely to affect children and infants, but adults can contract them too.
A parent should consult a doctor if their infant has symptoms for more than 1–2 days and is dehydrated. This can have particularly severe effects on their health.
Signs of mild to severe dehydration include:
If possible, encourage the child to take sips of fluids. Parents can help their children stay hydrated with the following:
Doctors do not recommend electrolyte solutions or infants. These solutions contain a high level of artificial ingredients, which are not optimal to keep a child well hydrated. However, experts recommend oral rehydration solutions made of sugar and sodium as an alternative. People can administer these for children using a syringe, spoon, or cup.
There are no drugs that can cure stomach flu. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics because a virus usually causes it.
However, there are medications that can help control symptoms:
The virus usually passes on its own, but home remedies can control symptoms and provide the best relief.
Stay hydratedPeople with stomach flu often lose their appetite. The body also loses a lot of fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. This lack of food and liquids can cause dehydration.
Dehydration is when the body does not have enough water to work properly. Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, and headache.
People with stomach flu should drink plenty of liquids such as clear soda, diluted fruit juices, or caffeine-free sports drinks, taking slow sips to help to keep fluids down. People who cannot keep food or drink down can snack on ice chips to maintain hydration. Electrolyte solutions, such as Pedialyte, can also help replace lost fluids.
Doctors recommend avoiding coffee as it can unsettle the stomach and disrupt sleep, which is important for recovery. People should also avoid alcohol because it is a diuretic, which means it reduces water content in the body.
What to eatStomach flu often reduces or eliminates the appetite. It can help to eat slowly and simply while appetite is low to aid recovery.
Doctors recommend that people rehydrate with fluids before transitioning to soups and broths, then try eating small meals.
Experts suggest following a bland diet to manage gastrointestinal complaints. Recommended foods include rice, pasta, or eggs. People should avoid excess fiber as it loosens the bowels. Tomato-based, fatty, and spicy dishes can also worsen diarrhea.
RestStomach flu can be exhausting. The body needs as much energy as possible to fight off the infection and repair damage. For this reason, it is important to rest, allowing the immune system to work and cells to repair as quickly as possible.
Anyone with stomach flu should rest during the day and get a good night's sleep each night.
Ginger and peppermintGinger helps reduce inflammation and promote digestion by relieving nausea and vomiting. It may also offer some relief from stomach cramps and bloating.
To make ginger tea:
Ginger can be a spice in meals. People with stomach flu can consume ginger by taking ginger capsules, drinking ginger ale, or chewing a piece of ginger. Powdered ginger is available to buy on Amazon.
Despite the suggested gastrointestinal benefits of ginger, scientists need to conduct more extensive and well‐controlled human studies of ginger to demonstrate its efficacy.
Mint, such as peppermint, may also help soothe an upset stomach and treat gas and bloating. The most effective way to use mint for an upset stomach is to drink it as tea.
To make mint tea, a person can take a few fresh mint leaves, boil them in water, then strain the infusion.
However, there is limited data available to determine the benefit of mint in humans.
AcupressureSome research has demonstrated that acupressure can reduce nausea.
Measure three finger-widths down from the bottom of the palm and apply pressure with your thumb to the soft part between two tendons, then massage for a couple of minutes.
ChamomileChamomile is a plant that can be helpful as a stomach flu remedy. It relaxes the muscles and has anti-inflammatory properties.
This plant may help relieve diarrhea, stomach cramping, bloating, nausea, and gas in some individuals. Experts suggest it can help in minor cases of gastrointestinal distress.
To make chamomile tea:
Rosemary, red, and fennel tea may also have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion.
If home remedies do not provide relief from stomach flu, a doctor can offer additional professional guidance.
Norovirus is the most common form of stomach flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year in the U.S., it causes 19–21 million illnesses, around 109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths of adults over 65 years of age.
It is the most common cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the U.S., causing 58% of cases.
A few simple measures can reduce the risk of catching stomach flu:
Rotavirus was previously the most common cause of stomach flu, causing around 440,000 deaths worldwide each year in children under 5.
However, since 2006, rotavirus vaccination has become available for children. Since the vaccination scheme, cases have dropped by 58–90% each year.
A person should seek immediate medical assistance if they or a child in their care experiences the following:
Additionally, a parent or caregiver should seek medical advice if a child cannot consume enough fluids or if liquids are not helping with symptoms. Prolonged bouts of diarrhea are considered a dangerous symptom, especially in newborns, as it can lead to severe dehydration.
For people who are not at high risk and have access to healthcare facilities, stomach flu often passes on its own without causing complications. Home remedies and general good hygiene can help prevent or ease symptoms.
However, stomach flu can have strong, negative implications in some cases in people of all ages. A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing severe symptoms or dehydration.
What To Know About Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
Viral gastroenteritis can cause nausea and vomiting. You can get the virus that causes it from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Washing your hands often may help prevent it.
Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of a number of viruses, most commonly norovirus or rotavirus. This illness is also known as the stomach flu.
This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who have the virus or through contaminated food or water.
It can easily spread in close quarters, such as:
This article will help you understand more about viral gastroenteritis including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin shortly after infection. For example, symptoms caused by norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms from adenoviruses may be delayed 3 to 10 days after contact.
Depending on which type of virus you've contracted, symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Symptoms often start suddenly over the course of 1 or 2 hours.
Symptoms can include:
Diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis isn't usually bloody. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection.
You should seek emergency medical treatment if:
In addition to the above symptoms, you should seek emergency attention for your child if they have the appearance of sunken eyes or if they aren't making tears when they cry.
Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a number of different viruses. It's easy for these viruses to spread in group situations. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:
Viral gastroenteritis affects people of all ages all over the world. But some factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis. People who are at a higher risk include:
Other factors that may increase the risk of becoming ill with viral gastroenteritis include:
Several different types of viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common include:
Let's look at each of these viruses in more detail.
NorovirusNorovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, or by people who have the virus. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces.
Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.
Symptoms include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who become ill with norovirus start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of symptom onset.
RotavirusRotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. Those who contract it can then pass the virus to other children and adults. It's usually contracted and transmitted via the mouth.
Symptoms typically appear within 2 days of infection and include:
A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in 2006. Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children.
AdenovirusThe adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several types of illness, including gastroenteritis. The adenovirus can also cause common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Children in daycare, especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to get adenovirus.
Adenovirus is passed through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.
Symptoms associated with adenovirus include:
Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may last longer than a few days.
AstrovirusAstrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:
The virus most often affects people in late winter and early spring. It's transmitted through contact with a person who has the virus or via an infected surface or food.
Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within 1 to 4 days.
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Viral gastroenteritis accounts for over 200,000 childhood deaths worldwide per year.
Other complications of viral gastroenteritis include:
Dehydration can be life threatening. Call your doctor if you or your child have these symptoms:
Dehydration that accompanies viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:
To prevent complications, get immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.
Most of the time, your medical history and physical exam are the basis for diagnosis, especially if there's evidence that the virus is spreading through your community.
Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus, or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection.
The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS), such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases. These solutions are easy on your child's stomach, and contain a balanced mixture of water and salts to replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.
These solutions are available at local pharmacies and don't require a prescription. However, you should follow the instructions carefully.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.
Treating diarrhea and vomitingDiarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that's lost during diarrhea or they may prescribe medications to treat severe vomiting.
What to eat and what to avoidAs you start to feel better and reintroduce foods into your diet, it's best to opt for bland foods, such as:
These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. Until you're feeling better, you may want to avoid some types of foods, such as:
In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.
Heating pad or heat packIf you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Cover the heating pad with a cloth and don't leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.
The heat can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and keep them from spasming.
Shop online for heating pads and heat packs.
Brown rice waterSome parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. It's high in electrolytes and can help with rehydration.
To make rice water:
Products containing ginger, such as ginger ale or ginger tea, may help soothe an upset stomach.
A 2019 review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea. More research needs to be done on ginger's ability to treat other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea.
MintMint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better.
Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Shop online for mint tea.
Yogurt or kefirAlthough dairy products should be avoided when you have your most acute symptoms, eating unflavored yogurt with live active cultures or drinking kefir may help restore your body's natural bacterial balance after illness.
Shop online for plain yogurt and kefir.
Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others.
Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.
Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces.
Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor.
It's also a good idea to get medical attention if your infant or young child develops diarrhea because it can lead to serious complications due to dehydration.
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